HSK 3.0: What Changed in the New HSK
HSK 3.0 is the new version of the HSK Chinese proficiency exam. It is built on a 2021 standard with nine levels in three stages, its syllabus came into force in July 2026, and the first official HSK 3.0 exam takes place worldwide on December 13, 2026.
What changed in HSK 3.0
- Nine levels instead of six: HSK 1 to HSK 6 plus one advanced band for levels 7, 8 and 9.
- Bigger word lists at every level from HSK 1 to HSK 6. HSK 4, for example, now covers 2,000 words; the HSK 2.0 level 4 list had 1,200.
- Speaking is part of the exam from level 3: for levels 3 to 6 the speaking test is registered together with the written exam of the same level, and levels 7 to 9 include speaking.
- There is no official level-to-level mapping between HSK 2.0 and HSK 3.0.
- Pass marks for HSK 3.0 levels 1 to 6 have not been published.
When does HSK 3.0 start? Key dates
- 2021 The standard behind HSK 3.0 (GF0025-2021) sets three stages and nine levels.
- November 15, 2025 The HSK 3.0 syllabus is presented at the World Chinese Language Conference.
- January 31, 2026 First global trial exam, levels 1 to 6.
- July 2026 The new syllabus comes into force.
- September 8, 2026 Chinese Testing International announces the worldwide launch.
- September 20, 2026 Second global trial exam.
- November 16, 2026 Registration closes for the paper-based test (24:00 Beijing time).
- December 3, 2026 Registration closes for the computer-based test (24:00 Beijing time).
- December 13, 2026 First official HSK 3.0 exam worldwide.
HSK 2.0 vs HSK 3.0: words per level
| Level | HSK 2.0 | HSK 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | 150 | 300 |
| HSK 2 | 300 | 500 |
| HSK 3 | 600 | 1,000 |
| HSK 4 | 1,200 | 2,000 |
| HSK 5 | 2,500 | 3,600 |
| HSK 6 | 5,000 | 5,400 |
| HSK 7–9 | not part of HSK 2.0 | 11,000 |
Similar word counts do not make two levels equivalent: there is no official mapping between the old and new levels.
The new HSK levels at a glance
HSK 3.0 has nine levels in three stages: HSK 1 to HSK 6, and levels 7, 8 and 9 as one advanced band. Compare the HSK levels